By James Samuel, Ilorin
A non-governmental organisation, Connected Development (CODE), has admonished residents of Badari Ward in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state to effectively engage their lawmakers for the interests of community development.
In a programme at the weekend, titled “Voice of Change” held in Ilorin, the state capital, CODE representative, Kehinde Akinsola educates community members on their rights and duties as citizens, by explaining the importance of making informed requests on their lawmakers.
The programme which was an open parley platform is to help participants with better understanding of the roles and limitations of lawmakers.
In his remarks, the guest speaker and Head of Political Science Department, University of Ilorin, Dr Adebola Bakare, highlighted the need to outline legislative functions and citizens’ powers.
He stressed that citizens ought to know their responsibilities towards their representatives.
“We must educate citizens on lawmakers’ roles, lawmaking, oversight, representation and budgeting, and how these relate to them. Citizens must understand their responsibilities towards their representatives and not rely solely on them for personal problems.’’
Dr. Bakare urged the citizens to think creatively about how to generating income and not depend on politicians.
“In today’s globalised world, it’s essential to diversify income streams,” he said.
The President of Badari Ward Progressive Association, Sulaiman Ahmed, advised the lawmakers to conduct needs assessments in the community before implementing projects.
Also speaking, Abdulfatai Ayo, the publicity Secretary of the Association, charged community members to take ownership of government projects in their domain.
In the programme, eighty one community members participated for the enlightenment and the programme is being held across six states in the six geopolitical zones as is it organised by Connected Development, CODE with support from Magamba Africa.
